Acne

Acne Treatments in Tampa & Valrico

Acne is an all too common skin problem. Because it is typically visible on the face as well as elsewhere, and because it is unpleasant to look at, acne can interfere with everyday social interactions. While most of us associate acne with adolescence, people of all ages can be affected by the problem since acne can occur whenever hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. At Unique Dermatology & Wellness Center, serving Valrico, Tampa, and surrounding areas, we treat acne as the serious problem it is, well aware that seemingly superficial medical conditions can have dire emotional and social consequences.

Dr. Harvey-Dent, our founder and medical director, is a well-trained and experienced dermatologist, offering comprehensive treatment of both medical and cosmetic issues of the skin. Furthermore, she is well-known as a leading authority in treatment of all racial and ethnic skin types, devoted to making each individual patient look and feel better. She treats patients with acne frequently and has a track record of success

Causes of Acne

Acne has a variety of causes. Once pores are clogged by dead skin cells, dirt, and excessive sebum (a secretion of the sebaceous glands), other factors can complicate the problem, including bacteria, hormones, and inflammation. Also, a number of research studies have shown that genetics play a significant role in the development of acne. Acne lesions — whiteheads, blackheads, or bumps — frequently appear not only on the face, but on the chest, neck, upper back, shoulders, and buttocks.

Treatments for Acne

Because severe acne may lead to scarring, it is important to seek early treatment. There are several types of acne treatment; Dr. Harvey-Dent can help you to decide which one is appropriate in your particular case. Varieties of acne treatment include:

Prescription Treatments

Prescription treatment options for severe acne include oral antibiotics or topical medicines like isotretinoin (brand names include Accutane® and Claravis®).

Chemical peels

Chemical peels accelerate the production of new skin cells by deliberately causing the top layers of older skin to slough off. Because Dr. Harvey-Dent has administered chemical peels of various kinds for many years, she is sensitive to which type will work best to clear up your acne and precisely how deep the peel should go to give the best results. There are three levels of chemical peels: superficial, moderate, and deep. In the majority of cases, superficial peels are all that are necessary to treat acne. Beta Peels are often used because they exfoliate gently, cleaning out your pores and rejuvenating your skin without requiring downtime. Beta peels are excellent tools to use to eradicate acne because the are ideal for the oily skin that goes hand-in-hand with the condition and because they contain salicylic acid, a substance often used to treat acne. Beta peels not only rejuvenate the skin but have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties which will decrease the number of acne outbreaks going forward.

Another possible chemical peel Dr. Dent may use for acne is the combo power peel which integrates microdermabrasion into the procedure, giving you the benefit of two techniques working together.

Light Therapy

Light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is now being used successfully to treat acne. Because this treatment activates stem cells, it can assist in the treatment of acne by relieving pain and inflammation and accelerating healing.

Intralesional Injections

Intralesional corticosteroid injections, administered directly into acne lesions, can make a seemingly miraculous difference, particularly when you have a large papule or cyst. Almost immediately after the injection, your lesion will shrink and, within a few hours, disappear. This makes intralesional injections a perfect remedy when an awful pimple appears just in time for a wedding or job interview. You can rest assured that Dr. Dent personally gives all of the injections administered at Unique Dermatology & Wellness Center.

Acne Scarring

Unfortunately, about 30 percent of those afflicted with moderate or severe acne, have to deal with the aftermath of repeated outbreaks — acne scarring. Many of the patients who come to us are troubled by the pitted appearance of their skin, a painful reminder of the former scourge. At
Unique Dermatology we are dedicated to restoring your skin’s smoothness and natural beauty, by removing acne scars.

Possible Treatments for Acne Scarring

Fortunately, Dr. Dent has a large repertoire of remedies for acne scarring, one of which are bound to be helpful to you. Acne scars, like acne itself, can be treated with chemical peels dermabrasion, and intralesional injections. In addition, acne scarring can be successfully treated by a number of other methods, including:

Retinoids and topical corticosteroids

Juvéderm XC

Radiesse

Belotero

Microneedling

Fraxel excision and subcision

TCA (trichloroacetic acid) Peels

Dr. Dent will discuss with you which procedure is most likely to give you the results you want, whether you are dealing with acne scarring alone or with several skin conditions.

At Unique Dermatology & Wellness Center We Treat All Aspects of Acne

Whether you are experiencing bouts of active acne with their concomitant emotional distress or are anxious to remove the troubling evidence of past episodes of acne, Dr. Harvey Dent can help. Her patients testify to her talent and compassion and to the fact that she improves their self-confidence as well as the smooth texture and lustre of their skin. Because of the fact that Dr. Dent is well-credentialed and highly capable, you can rely on her to only use safe, well-tested, FDA-approved methods of treatment. Do yourself a favor and get in touch with our office by phone or by filling out one of the contact forms on our website.